Play it cool this Valentine's Day

For the adventurous >> extreme thrillsWHY IT WORKS >If you’re the adventurous kinds, the perfect way for you to let go, is to indulge in a few adrenaline-pumping activities. The city offers a range of options, ranging from parasailing (you are towed behind a boat while being attached to a parachute), night parasailing, water skiing, kayaking, wind surfing, stand-up paddling and indoor rock climbing. You can also pick up a few tricks if you sign up for workshops that will teach you how to breathe fire or spin a fire staff. These activities (many of which are held in groups) will help you unwind as well as ensure that you have a good time, away from the madness that is typical of Valentine’s Day.Take your pick H20, Girgaum Chowpatty - CALL 23677584; Rae Sport - CALL 9920088873; Blue Bulb - CALL 67302917

For the chilled out >> go tipple-happyWHY IT WORKS >While we aren’t recommending that you hit the bottle just because you’re not hitched; instead, we are saying — celebrate your singledom! Gang up with your friends and paint the town red with your revelry rather than get sour looking at mushy red balloons around. Plumb for happy hour offers at several haunts or head to some of the city’s old faves, where nobody will care a damn, if you are glugging down a pint, alone . If you fancy a new fad, become a beer taster so you’ll be able to sip on global brands in the city. But remember — enjoy responsibly.

For the shopaholic >> sold!WHY IT WORKS > What’s better than retail therapy to end a day on a happy note. With just a few days left before seasonal sales cease, take time out for yourself and indulge in retail therapy. With attractive discounts on products from high-end, international brands too, the options are unlimited if you don’t wish to loosen your purse strings too much. From bags, to jewellery, books to accessories, browse through a variety of products on a price lesser than their MRP. Either hop across to stand-alone stores or visit malls to satiate your shopping spree. Now’s the time to splurge!Take your pick Holii Bags (Lifestyle, Pantaloons, Central) - up to 50 % off; All products at Korum Mall (Thane West) - up to 70 % off; Gili (Shoppers Stop) - up to 20 % off; @Home (Mulund West) - up to 50 % off; Landmark Bookstore (Infinity Mall, Andheri West) - up to 70 % off

For the foodie>> cook it up WHY IT WORKS >They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, we say the way to a happy day is with good food. Forget impressing the cute boy next door, or rustling up a candle-lit dinner for your girlfriend; instead, sign up for a cooking class to master our culinary skills, and if you’re a pro already, learn to plate up a new cuisine. Newly-opened cook studio Palate Culinary Studio offers over 80 one-day workshops in various cuisines including Thai, Mongolian, Teppanyaki and Continental. You can also learn how to plate up sizzlers, sushi and create delicious baked goodies. Another culinary destination is A Perfect Bite Cook Studio, where you can learn every skill — from giving a tadka to going gourmet. We like! take your pick Palate Culinary Studio, Suryodaya CHS, Santacruz (W). CALL 9820295221; 301, Shrishti Plaza, Saki Vihar Road, Andheri (E); CALL 42152799

For the music & dance fan >> groove itWHY IT WORKS > Dance your way to create awareness about crimes against women and show the world that you care. Be a part of the global event, One Billion Rising (OBR), which will see men and women from around the world dance together at separate venues. The idea is to gather as many people as possible and make it as disruptive as it can get. Anybody from anywhere in the world can organise an OBR event in their locality; all you need is to do is sign up your event on www.onebillion rising.org, and well, get dancing on V-Day. Take your pick The Mumbai chapter of One Billion Rising will be at Blue Frog, Lower Parel. The artiste line-up hasn’t been announced, but it’s expected to be big ON February 14, 8 pm to 12 am; ENTRY Free; CALL 61586158— Soma Das, Dhara Vora, Ruchika Kher & Hassan M Kamal. theguide@mid-day.com